Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 13
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This whole-body radiograph is of an adult desert tortoise, which was anorectic, anaemic, and clinically blind.
| Question | Answer | Article | |
| What is your diagnosis? | Multiple metallic objects are present in the alimentary tract. These were found to be chips of lead-based paint that caused lead poisoning. |
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| How would you confirm your diagnosis? | Chemical determination of the amount of lead in the blood. The plasma contained 211mcg/dl of lead (control tortoise’s plasma – 25.7mcg/dl). |
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| What is your treatment of this disorder? | Remove the lead fragments from the stomach with an endoscope and long forceps. Administer sodium calciumedetate (35mg/kg) daily for two weeks by slow intravenous infusion using a butterfly needle-set placed into the jugular vein). |
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